Eligible people in Guernsey are to be able to receive a flu vaccine free of charge.
The States of Guernsey said this included pre-school children and pregnant women.
It added flu could be an unpleasant illness and could sometimes lead to serious complications.
It said parents and carers wanting their child to receive the vaccine in pre-school or school settings were reminded to complete and submit an online consent form as soon as possible.
Officials added parents wanting their children to receive the vaccine in their pre-school setting should complete the consent form by 19 September.
Those currently eligible are:
- Children aged two, three and four years old (those who have not yet started primary school could get the vaccine in some pre-school settings and in all GP practices)
- Children and young people from Reception to Year 11 inclusively (who will be offered the vaccination in their school)
- Children aged six months to 18 years in a clinical risk group
- Pregnant women
From October, the free vaccination is also to be offered to:
- People aged 65 and over
- Adults aged 18-64 in a clinical risk group
- Those in long-term care facilities (care home visits will be provided by GP practices)
- Carers who are the main carer of an elderly person or a person with disabilities
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
Parents who did not want their children to have vaccination in a pre-school or school setting could also contact their GP for an appointment for the free vaccine.
Alex Hawkins-Drew, associate director of Public Health, said: “Getting a flu vaccination isn’t just about protecting yourself – it helps protect our community.
“Having the vaccination dramatically lowers the risk of serious illness, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions who are at greater risk of complications.”
She added reducing the number of flu cases would help reduce the pressure on our hospital services.
“As well as getting the vaccine, practising good hand hygiene can help limit the spread of the flu virus by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue throwing it away and washing your hands after – catch it, bin it, kill it.”